Commissioners Approve Report Looking into Ethics Violations

A member of the Royal Oak City Commission accused of violating the city's code of ethics asked City Manager Don Johnson to prepare a report that looks into the charges at Monday's city commission meeting.

Mayor Pro-Tem Patricia Capello is accused of six ethics violations by Julie Tirony, a former employee at the Royal Oak Animal Shelter from May 2011 to February 2012. (Tirony's letter is attached to this article as a PDF.)

"We have a new process in place that says that the procedure for us calls for us to experience reasonable suspicion," Capello said. "So in order for you to have more than just the accusations that were leveled in a letter, I think it's important for us to get a report."

Capello asked that the city manager summarize the state of the shelter in July and the state of the shelter now, and whether or not there is any evidence that she gave orders to employees, among other things.

Based on the city manager's report, commissioners can decide whether or not to launch a third-party investigation.

RELATED:

• Ethics Violations Charge Lodged Against Mayor Pro-Tem